Home → News → In The News → Horse and buggy delivers 10-foot blue spruce to Wyoming County health facility

WARSAW — With the recent delivery of massive trees — the sturdy kind that don’t mind the snow — to businesses and organizations across Wyoming County, it’s certainly beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

But perhaps nowhere so much as the Wyoming County Community Health System’s Skilled Nursing Facility, where, on Tuesday, the distinctive clop of a horse’s hooves cut through the brisk December air and warned residents of an exciting new addition to their holiday repertoire — the WCCHS annual outdoor Christmas tree.

“Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,” rang through the air — each careful clop of hooves on pavement punctuating the cheery rendition of the song residents had taken up as they anxiously awaited the tree’s arrival.

With the afternoon sun shining bright on the small crowd, bundled in blankets, scarves and hats to brave the cold, a horse-drawn buggy rounded the corner. Horse and tree now in sight, the residents went wild. Some had invited their family members to witness the delivery, and as they listened for the jingle of the horse’s holiday bells, all remained adamant that the cold was no bother — they wanted to remain outside to see the tree — and horse, of course — up close and personal.

“This is so much fun for the residents — it’s a great way to bring everyone together as a community,” said Activity Director Sue Winiecki of the tree delivery. Behind her, a crowd of men had gathered to unload the 10-foot blue spruce from Luczak’s Tree Farm. “We’re always trying to do fun things for our residents — this horse and buggy arrival will be the first annual event,”

As men hoisted the tree into a standing position, cutting the strings that bound its branches tight together, residents unwilling to endure the harsh December cold watched from nearby windows, cups of punch and egg nog in hand. They’d earlier taken pictures with a jolly old man in a red suit, who bellowed “Merry Christmas!” and gave his name only as ‘Santa,’ and couldn’t pass up the frosted, sprinkled sugar cookies offered up by WCCHS staff.

“I think the residents loved it, they all looked forward to it,” Mary Fronczak, the activity leader who’s known, on occasion, to don a snowman suit during winter festivities, said as residents sipped punch and munched their holiday treats. “They all were really excited about the horse. It was just a really fun event and something new!”

And with that, the residents finally admitted their defeat — retreating to the warmth of the facility after they’d given the horse generous pats and strokes on the muzzle.

He clip-clopped merrily away, residents smiling broadly as they gazed at him, and at the new Christmas tree standing before them.

They were glad to see it, they said — even though one did yell “Bah humbug!” when asked to smile for the camera.

Visiting Wyoming County Community Hospital and Skilled Nursing Facility during flu season?

WCCH strives to provide the highest quality of care in an environment that is safe for our patients. Part of this safety, is managing exposures to illnesses that spread easily, such as the flu.

WCCH monitors flu activity both within the hospital and throughout our community which assists us in determining the need to limit and/or restrict visitors.

At this time, WCCH asks that if you have a fever, cough, sore throat, or body aches that you consider not visiting. We also recognize that there may be times when visiting a loved one in the hospital is necessary. If this is the case, please wash your hands upon arrival, cover your cough or sneeze, and wear a mask. Hand hygiene stations with masks are located at the main entrances of the facility or ask any staff member for a mask.

Recently, the Employee Enhancement Committee sponsored its second annual awards breakfast. Staff that had been awarded employee of the month throughout 2018 were invited along with their manager. The event included a short video and recognition from the CEO and Board of Managers. Honored staff each received a rose and framed certificate. A special thank you to Morrison Community Living for providing an excellent gourmet breakfast. Congratulations to the following 2018 Employees of the Month:January – Sindy Howard (missing from photo)February – Susan FriedhaberMarch – Fred CordaniApril – Cathy SimthleyMay – Sam ThawJune – Elizabeth ThurleyJuly – Amanda Likus (missing from photo)August – Nadine O’BrienSeptember – Laura BerwaldtOctober – noneNovember – Lori ToorDecember – Kelly Venezia#wycoapproved #wcchs #wyomingcountyny #employeeenhancement #employeeofthemonth #recognition #awardsbreakfast ... See MoreSee Less

After discussion with the Mayor and Superintendent of Public Works, effective 1 PM today, 2/12/2019, the Village of Warsaw is canceling the Water Conservation Order issued on February 11, 2019. The distribution and storage tank system components have returned to a normal level of operation.

Please be aware that the Boil Water Order issued on February 11, 2019 is still in effect and will continue through at least Thursday. Bacteriological samples were collected this morning and the second round will be collected on Wednesday, 2/13/19, morning. All sample results should be received by Thursday morning. You will be notified once the order is canceled or if needed extended.

How exciting!! Congratulations, Christy Librock Hibsch! Your photograph featured on the cover of the 2019 Wyoming County Visitor Guide is incredibly stunning. #wycoapproved #wcchs #wyomingcountyny #hobby #photography #visitorguide #letchworthstatepartk Letchworth State ParkToday we stopped at the Wyoming County Community Health System in Warsaw to deliver the new Wyoming County Visitor Guides. We were joined by administration staff and Christy Librock Hibsch, a WCCHS OR Tech and the photographer of the guide's cover shot. Our Hospital is one of our best ambassadors for Wyoming County. They use the Visitor Guides in the work behind the scenes to recruit doctors and medical professionals to Wyoming County. They also share the guides in the lobbies and at other locations in the hospital. (Pictured Left to Right) Eric Szucs, Director of Tourism and Marketing; Scott Gardner, Chamber President & CEO; Donald T. Eichenauer, CEO of Wyoming County Community Health System; Christy Hibsch, photographer/OR Tech at WCCHS; and Pam Pettnot, Executive Assistant to Mr. Eichenauer. Wyoming County NY Tourism ... See MoreSee Less

Check out the Upcoming Civil Service Examination for Conservation District Technician, ED Express Nurse, Public Health Educator, and Support Investigatorwww.wyomingco.net/171/Upcoming-Examinations #wcchs #wycomingcountyny #civilserviceexaminations #conservationdistricttechnician #edexpressnurse #publichealtheducator #supportinvestigator ... See MoreSee Less

College Scholarship Opportunity available through the @CommunityFoundationforGreaterBuffalo. Apply online at www.cfgbscholarships.org to be considered. Application deadline is April 1, 2019.#wycoapproved #wcchs #wyomingcony #scholarship ... See MoreSee Less

So much hustle and bustle this holiday season at WCCHS Nursing Facility....a visit from Santa and his elves, gifts and more gifts, caroling with The Rivellino Team at Keller Williams Realty (thank you for spending time with us) and some Reindeer games. #wycoapproved #wcchs #wyomingcountyny #santa #elves #christmasparty #caroling #reindeergames #nursinghomeactivities ... See MoreSee Less